The forced labor situation in Burma has not improved in the six years since the ILO first addressed the issue in November 2000. While the regime has responded to ILO pressure with positive measures, any gains have been lost as soon as pressure is eased. Most recently, the SPDC failed to comply with the ILO recommendations on forced labor issues made in June 2006.

The SPDC’s recent release of activists Su Su Nway and Aye Myint in June have not been followed with any genuine moves by the SPDC to end forced labor. Forced labor involving portering, sentry/patrol duty, military and SPDC infrastructure projects, and commercial agriculture activities are still prevalent throughout Burma.